Officials claim a fleet of underwater drones may aid in revitalizing marine life around artificial reefs in Cyprus.

AYIA NAPA, Cyprus — An innovative initiative is set to deploy a fleet of small, autonomous submersibles to monitor and safeguard artificial reefs created to foster marine life in otherwise desolate ocean regions, officials announced on Monday.

These advanced underwater vehicles, known as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), are being touted as the cornerstone of future underwater monitoring efforts. They will be outfitted with an array of sensors and high-definition cameras, providing the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) with crucial insights into the performance of their meticulously designed artificial reefs, which are constructed using 3D printing techniques.

Composed of environmentally friendly cement compounds, these artificial reefs will feature a docking station for the AUVs, enabling them to recharge and relay vital data, including video recordings, back to scientists. Zakarias Siokouros, CEO of CMMI, emphasized the benefits these submersibles could bring, highlighting their ability to remain submerged for extended periods—up to a month—while continuously gathering data. They can also act as guardians of the reefs, alerting scientists to any disruptions caused by illegal fishing or unauthorized vessels, allowing for prompt communication with local authorities.

The project, named EONIOS, is currently being trialed at the Ayia Napa marina, and plans are underway to deploy the artificial reefs in the waters off Limassol, located at a depth of approximately 20 meters (66 feet)—a depth conducive to sunlight penetration necessary for fostering marine vegetation.

“The reefs will help attract a diverse range of marine life, from plants to large fish. For the waters surrounding Cyprus, where food is scarce for fish, our goal is to craft an environment that can enhance their population,” Siokouros explained after showcasing the AUVs’ capabilities.

EONIOS is a collaborative venture involving the CMMI, the French manufacturer Arkeocean, the Cypriot tech firm SignalGeneriX, and the French consultancy Lanego. Siokouros mentioned that the objective is to promote the EONIOS initiative to other nations interested in enhancing their fish populations using artificial reefs.

A significant advantage of the AUVs is their cost-effectiveness regarding surveillance, 3D data acquisition, and environmental protection, especially when juxtaposed with conventional tethered submersibles. Arkeocean official Tamara Brizard commented, “Our ambition is to create an operational system whereby six of our mini-submersibles can accomplish tasks equivalent to one traditional drone at a fraction of the cost.”

Currently, Arkeocean’s AUVs can carry up to 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of equipment and can operate to depths of 300 meters (984 feet), with newer models being constructed to achieve depths of 3,000 meters (9,842 feet). The AUVs are controlled via an acoustic antenna, and they possess the capability to pinpoint their locations accurately.

Brizard noted that these battery-powered submersibles are highly discreet and almost undetectable, making them invaluable for defensive operations in restricted waterways. Their global operational capacity is further enhanced by an Iridium satellite antenna.

Additionally, the AUVs can harness undersea currents to navigate, effectively prolonging their battery life. Another potential application includes the energy sector, where these submersibles can identify seismic activity for offshore oil and gas exploration and help pinpoint suitable sites for the establishment of offshore wind and solar energy facilities, Brizard concluded.